Powerstroke vs Cummins Fuel Filter Maintenance
 

Tomorrow I have to pull a Ford Powerstroke out of a pasture for a friend. Engine died and won't start. The Ford is 03 model. We got into a discussion about changing fuel filters and air filters. He only changes his air filter every year or so and has only had the fuel filter changed once in over 60K miles [dummy]
He doesn't even know where the fuel filter is. I told him the Cummins required a fuel filter change every 15K or even less. I showed him how easy it was to change the fuel filter on the Cummins.
I'll bet he is WAY OVER DUE for changing all of his filters except for the oil. How he can change his own oil every 5K and not know where his fuel filter is blows me away.:o
If I'm not mistaken, the fuel filter on the Powerstroke is in the front and on top of the engine. It's been a while since I've dealt with one. Am I right and is the fuel filter as easy to get too on the Ford as it is the Dodge diesels?
Thanks!

This probally doesnt help at all, but I owned a 04, 6.0L and the fuel filter was undernieth the driver side door along the frame...and it was a PAIN to change...MESSY! Not sure if the 03 had the same set up....tell him to trade it in on a Cummins and he wont waste the money on a filter :D [duhhh]

Here's a good link for your buddy to look at to change his filter:

http://www.houstonareapowerstrokes.c...lter_Guide.pdf

Maybe he should drain it first to see if that helps.

7.3 Powerstroke's fuel filter is right on top of the engine in the V. Pull off the plastic cover and you'll see it. The require a special tool to remove but if you have 2 medium length screwdrivers you can criss cross them(using the shaft of the screwdriver) in the slots of the filter lid and that'll unscrew the lid. And the fuel filters should be changed at the same intervals as a Cummins.
D

Thanks for the info, guys We're going to hook up the scan tool before we pull it out of the pasture. (Thank goodness he had already dumped the round bale!)
I told him to get a fuel filter and an air filter so we'll have those on hand in case it is the fuel filter being clogged - which I strongly suspect!

let us know what the deal is on it!! i used to have a 2000 powerjoke

You might want to take a cam position sensor with you.

if its an 03 6.oL there is 2 fuel filters, one is a filter and one is a h2o seperator. one is under the drivers side door and one is in the front drivers side of the engine compartment. They are EXPENSIVE from the ford dealer so try to find an international dealer and have part number (FD-4604). If he has the severe duty air intake once a year sounds right for the air filter depending on millage (also quite expensive to replace). I have never owned a ford but my friend does (an 03 6.oL). [dummy]

I can see me trying something like this for the first time, breaking something and being out some serious cash and alot of down time waiting for a new filter houseing (which of course will be backordered).[duhhh] [laugh]

If its a 7.3, then the filter is on top and all you need to replace it is a 1/2 inch
drive extension and ratchet. You will see either a square drive hole in the center of the fuel filter cap or a star shaped hole in the same spot, a 1/2 drive extention will fit either style. On the rear of the housing is a yellow 1/4 turn valve for draining the water out. The new fuel filter should come assembled with a new cap and 2 o-rings, make sure you change BOTH o-rings, the whole ff change should take 15 min. A cam position sensor is the the most common not start issue on the 7.3 and most times it does not set a code. If it winds up being a cmp goto International and get one, it will be 1/2 the cost of one at Ford. If it is a 6.0 you'll be better off towing it out of the field and getting it onto hardpack. Just post if it is a 6.0 and we can walk you through it.

Post what you find and good luck.

Well, it wasn't the fuel filter or air filter. The air filter looked like mud, the fuel filter was indescribable. Replaced both and it still didn't start. And no code!
I had him crawl underneath and look at the cam position sensor. He wiggled the wire to the sensor, crawled out from under and started the truck!
Good call c5racer and Hvytrkmech!:cool:
Thanks!